Setting Out Tender Plants

So you've started some seeds for gardening this year and if they are like mine, they are way past being ready to set out because the warm early spring weather inticed me to start them a little early.  The problem is that you can't just go from being inside in the steady warmth to out side in the hot sun, cool nights and WIND.  And, If you are in my neck of the woods you know what wind is!

If you have a small greenhouse you can begin by opening up the ends, sides or whatever your greenhouse has to allow some breeze to enter and get your plants used to swaying back and forth.

Another favorite thing for me is a cold frame.  My dad made a couple for me and they were easy to do.  They got lost in my last move so I really need some new ones.  The one above is from Cheap Vegetable Gardener.  As you can see, it doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to do the job.  Google Homemade Cold Frame for even more ideas.

Don't have time to put together a cold frame of your own?  Try this:

Set your plants out mid morning in a sunny, yet protected location from the wind.  If it's going to get real hot, bring them in or move them to the shade.  Bring them in at night.  The idea is to gradually get them used to being outdoors in the elemets.

This way you'll have better sucess with getting those transplants off to a better start.